SOUTH WALES, U K (This is South Wales) - The RSPCA has rescued a pony and foal from an incoming tide and certain death on the Loughor estuary.

The animal welfare charity was called to marshland near Landimore after a concerned member of the public reported the pony had collapsed, with the young foal standing next to her.

The rescue team attended the scene following worries for the animals' safety due to the approaching tide.

Inspectors could see the horse had caught her back foot in a matted tangle of her mane and was struggling to move before it was eventually cut free.

RSPCA inspector Neill Manley said: "There is little doubt in my mind that, taking into account the remote location and the nature of the potential hazard from the tide, had we not intervened and freed this pony it is quite likely that both the pony and her foal would have died.

"This is just one of many examples of the sort of trouble animals can get into when kept at remote locations and we would urge owners to keep the management and monitoring of their animals as consistent and as regular as possible."

Mr Manley also expressed his thanks to a member of the public who alerted them to the animals.

He said: "Many thanks go of course to the caller who reported the situation in the first place and we would urge members of the public who spot an animal in pain or distress to call the RSPCA's 24-hour helpline on 0300 1234 999."